</s>14-561 -0-245 (EV. A1240) S. SPRINGFIELD Chris Case # FBI CENTRAL RECORDS CENTER ent of Justice 004-591 ED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FILE) CALLERY NUMBER NO. Sid. Sid ., Vol. 81084480402 14. 14. Sid -, 676 SSINATIONS SID-4004005-B1 Sid-4006005-S1 SID -, SID -. 676 SINATIONS BUREAU ONLY HISTORICAL VALUE of NATIONAL ARCHIVES INVESTIGATION Volume Number Sidh. Bureau File Number 44- 38241 Bureau file Number 44 - 38241 See also Nos. See also No. 4-4-4/4/2/2-2/3/4-1/4 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176 www.nue 16-31713

Summary:  
This document contains FBI records detailing an investigation into James Earl Ray’s activities in Quincy, Illinois, from 1966 to 1968. The Springfield Division of the FBI conducted interviews with individuals associated with Ray, including Walter Terry Rife and his brother Lonnie Rife, who operated a restaurant in Quincy. The investigation also reviewed records of Harvey Edward Lohmeyer, a white male arrested for rioting and burglary, and cross-referenced him with other suspects. Ray’s criminal history, including charges of vagrancy, burglary, and armed robbery, was noted, along with his alleged employment at the International Shoe Company in Hartford, Illinois. The report references prior threats against Martin Luther King Jr., though the investigation predates his assassination on April 4, 1968. Administrative data on case distribution to other FBI divisions is included, as well as phone records from Illinois Bell Telephone Company and employment details from Monogram Industries.  

Key People:  
- **James Earl Ray** (FBI #306 443 A.M.) – fugitive linked to conspiracy and robbery charges; born March 10, 1928; criminal record including vagrancy, burglary, armed robbery.  
- **Walter Terry Rife** – associated with Ray; ran a restaurant in Quincy, Illinois.  
- **Lonnie Rife** – brother of Walter Terry Rife; mentioned as a possible associate.  
- **Harvey Edward Lohmeyer** – white male arrested for rioting and burglary; cross-referenced in the investigation.  
- **LUCILLE MAHER** – Ray’s mother; divorced from his father, James Ray.  
- **George Parsons** – supervisor for Illinois Youth Commission; provided details about Ray’s family.  
- **Robert Kelli**, **Jack Hilland**, **John O’Dea** – individuals arrested with Ray in the 1950s.  
- **Franklin D. Ryan** – deceased child of the RYAN/RAY family; died in West Quincy, Missouri, in 1963.  

Key Locations:  
- **Quincy, Illinois** – central location for interviews and Ray’s alleged residence; also home to Catholic Children's Home and Quincy Credit Bureau.  
- **Alton, Illinois** – Ray’s birthplace; police records on his criminal history.  
- **Hartford, Illinois** – former employment at International Shoe Company.  
- **St. Louis, Missouri** – referenced in context of prior threats against M.L.K. and Selective Service System records.  
- **Alton Police Department** – maintained criminal history files on Ray.  

Key Events:  
- FBI investigation into James Earl Ray’s whereabouts following his flight from justice; interviews conducted in Quincy, Illinois, from 1966 to 1968.  
- April 1968: FBI agents interviewed residents of Quincy to confirm Ray’s absence and lack of recognition.  
- April 23, 1966: Interview with Robert Kelli and Jack Hilland regarding a 1950s arrest incident involving Ray.  
- March–April 1968: Review of Ray’s employment records at Quincy Compressor, Inc., and his military service history.  
- Legal custody transfers for multiple children in the RYAN/RAY family between 1952 and 1968; placement of MELBA MARIE RYAN in foster care and subsequent custody changes.  

Key Organizations:  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)** – conducted interviews and reviewed records.  
- **Selective Service System** – provided military service documentation for Ray.  
- **Quincy Compressor, Inc.** – employment records for Ray.  
- **Adams County Court, Quincy, Illinois** – managed dependency records for the RYAN/RAY family.  
- **Catholic Charities, Springfield, Illinois** – involved in foster care placements.  
- **Illinois Youth Commission** – provided details about Ray’s family.  
- **Illinois Department of Corrections (Montana State Penitentiary)** – referenced in connection with JERRY RAYNE’s criminal record.

MLK Declassified Files

44-si-561_sec_014_ser_576_only-part_1_of_5.pdf

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